IBM reported that 95% of cybersecurity breaches happened due to human error. In the contemporary world, when it comes to cybersecurity, many organizations primarily focus on investing in securing their IT infrastructure and systems. Threatcop takes a distinctive approach and focuses on ‘People Security Management.’. The notion behind a people-centric approach is to ensure robust employee awareness and cybersecurity training. We are committed to protecting the safety of your organization through people and by the people in the face of constantly changing cyber threats.
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In their relentless pursuit of breaching organizations, cybercriminals frequently target human weaknesses as this is the easiest way to get exclusive information. Hackers consistently employ different mechanisms and methods to evolve the sophistication of attacks. The ongoing technological advancement, be it AI chatbots or automation, hackers are regularly exploiting people to extract crucial information. In the face of such rising threats, Threatcop leaves no stone unturned to make sure that their attempts are futile.
PSM can be defined as a strategic approach to cybersecurity that emphasizes the weakest link- ‘humans’ within an organization. It encompasses policies, practices, and training initiatives designed based on comprehensive threat intelligence to enhance the security posture by addressing human vulnerabilities, behaviors, and decision-making thought processes. PSM follows the approach of behavioral analysis of employees and identifies the vulnerabilities by regularly carrying out simulation attacks. It recognizes that employees, from the boardroom to the frontlines, can either be the weakest link or the first line of defense against cyber threats.
To ensure that humans become the strongest defense between you and threats, we embrace the exclusive AAPE model- Asses, Aware, Protect and Empower. We assess the weakest links, raise awareness, provide robust protection, and empower employees to defend against cyber threats. The AAPE Model safeguards your human assets by creating a culture of security awareness and equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and tools to actively participate in the defense against cyber threats. We integrate people into the security framework, and PSM enhances the effectiveness of existing technologies and processes, thereby bolstering overall cyber resilience.
To understand the significance of PSM in cybersecurity, let’s explore the pyramid of cybersecurity. At the base of the pyramid lies Technology, which encompasses the hardware, software, and infrastructure deployed to safeguard digital assets. On the next level is the Process layer, comprising the policies, procedures, and frameworks that guide cybersecurity operations. Finally, on the topmost layer of the pyramid, we have -People, who are actively involved in executing these processes and utilizing the technology.
While technology and processes are essential components, it is the human element that deserves top priority. Why? Because humans are prone to errors, vulnerabilities, and social engineering attacks, which can have a detrimental impact on companies. A study cited by PC World claims that human mistake accounts for up to 75% of data loss. According to FAU, 78% of employees are aware of the risks of suspicious links in emails but click on them anyway. There is much such data that indicates the need for human-proof cybersecurity. Humans are the most common cause of cyber breach at workplaces and it occurs at companies of all sizes all across the world on a daily basis.
Statista revealed that the average cost of a data breach in the healthcare industry increased from 9.23 million dollars between May 2020 and March 2021 to over 10 million dollars between March 2021 and March 2022. With an average cost of 5.97 million dollars per breach, the banking sector came in second. During the measurement period, the average cost of a data breach was 4.35 million dollars worldwide. Public sector data breaches came in last, costing an average of 2.07 million dollars over the course of the study.
In all the above data, human error was the primary cause of the breaches. According to a study by IBM in 2022, human error was a factor in 95% of data breaches which was 10 % more than it was in 2020. According to the Ponemon Institute, employee negligence or human error is the root cause of many data breaches. Over 78% of respondents say negligent or malicious employees or other insiders have been responsible for at least one data breach within their organizations over the past two years.
Since people alone occupy a significant share of the cybersecurity space, Threatcop has brought the PSM strategy which focuses on the AAPE model. The AAPE model emerges as a valuable framework to address the human element. By Assessing vulnerabilities and weak links, raising Awareness about cyber threats, providing robust Protection measures, and Empowering individuals to actively participate in defending against cyber threats, PSM aims to bridge the gap and strengthen the human layer of the cybersecurity pyramid.
To implement PSM effectively, organizations should adopt the AAPE Model, which consists of four key pillars: assess, aware, protect, and empower. Let’s explore how each pillar is significant in cybersecurity.
The first step in PSM is to assess the current security landscape of an organization. This helps organizations assess their weakest links in terms of people security. This includes identifying employees who are most likely to fall victim to social engineering attacks, as well as identifying gaps in an organization’s security policies and procedures. In this stage, Threatcop Security Awareness Training (TSAT) will help you. As it simulates the top five cyber attacks like phishing, smishing, WhatsApp phishing, spear phishing, ransomware, etc., on your employees and checks the real-time cybersecurity risk posture of the organization.
Creating a culture of security awareness is a major part of PSM. Through robust training modules, employees are educated about the latest threats, attack vectors, and best practices for safeguarding sensitive information. Regular awareness campaigns and interactive workshops through Threatcop Learning Management System (TLMS) help individuals stay vigilant and make informed decisions regarding security.
In the protection phase of the Model, Threatcop DMARC (TDMARC) emerges as a key player. TDMARC is ingeniously designed to protect your business domain and outbound email communications, a vital component of organizational security. By ensuring the integrity and deliverability of emails, TDMARC complements Threatcop’s suite of solutions like Phishing, Vishing, Smishing, Ransomware, and WhatsApp Phishing Simulation and Awareness Training. TDMARC acts as a guardian of your digital communication channels, preventing domain spoofing and email phishing attacks which are common tactics used by cybercriminals. This protection extends beyond the technical realm, bolstering the confidence and trust of employees in their digital interactions, thereby reinforcing a culture of cybersecurity awareness and resilience.
Empowering individuals is the pinnacle of PSM. It involves providing employees with the necessary resources, tools, and authority with products like Threatcop Phishing Incident Response (TPIR) to actively contribute to the organization’s security efforts. This can be achieved through continuous skills development programs, incentivizing responsible behavior, and establishing clear communication channels to report security incidents promptly.
Through the AAPE model, PSM works on the premise that by focusing on human behaviors, decision-making processes, and security awareness, organizations can enhance their overall cyber resilience. It involves creating a culture where individuals prioritize security, understand their role in defending against threats, and possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to actively contribute to cybersecurity efforts.
PSM is a critical component of any organization’s cybersecurity strategy. Organizations can reduce the risk of human error by focusing on the people element of security, Organizations can reduce the risk of human error, which is a leading cause of data breaches. Threatcop is a leading provider of PSM-based security solutions that safeguards organizations against cyber threats by empowering employees to proactively defend against cyber and social engineering attacks.
According to a study by the Ponemon Institute, 50% of data breaches could be prevented with proper employee training. This means that by providing employees with the knowledge and skills they need to identify and avoid cyber threats, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of a data breach. The study also found that 90% of employees believe that they are not adequately trained to protect their organization from cyber threats. This suggests that there is a significant need for organizations to invest in employee training.
Threatcop’s tools and solutions are easy to use and scalable. It can be deployed in minutes and can be used by organizations of all sizes. And they are also affordable as we offer a variety of pricing plans to fit your budget.
If you are looking for a way to improve your organization’s PSM, then Threatcop is a good place to start. Our platform can help you to reduce the risk of human error in cybersecurity and protect your data from cybercriminals.
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People Security Management is a comprehensive approach to managing the human factor in cybersecurity. We follow the AAPE model (Assess Aware, Protect, Empower), which focuses on educating and empowering employees to become the first line of defense against cyber threats. It is important for organizations because human error is often a weak point in cybersecurity, and by investing in training and awareness programs, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.
Threatcop’s People Security Management solution combines training, awareness programs, and advanced technologies to enhance employees’ knowledge, skills, and behavior toward cybersecurity. By promoting a culture of security awareness and providing tools like TSAT, TDMARC, TLMS, and TPIR to identify and respond to threats. These tools mitigate cybersecurity risks associated with human error.
The key components of Threatcop’s People Security Management solution include phishing awareness and simulation, vishing training and simulation, ransomware awareness and simulation, etc. The solutions focus on educating employees about common cyber threats and providing hands-on training to enhance their ability to recognize and respond to such threats effectively. These components work together to educate employees, promote secure behaviors, and strengthen incident response capabilities.
People Security Management complements other cybersecurity measures and technologies by focusing on the human element. While technical solutions are essential, educating employees about cybersecurity best practices and fostering a security-conscious culture can greatly enhance overall security posture.
Yes, Threatcop’s People Security Management solution can be customized to meet the unique needs and requirements of different organizations. It offers flexibility in training programs, personalized learning paths, and adaptable incident response workflows to align with specific organizational goals.
People Security Management plays a crucial role in regulatory compliance by providing employees with the necessary training and resources to adhere to relevant regulations and industry standards. It helps organizations meet compliance requirements and avoid penalties associated with data breaches and security incidents.
Yes, People Security Management is relevant for organizations of all sizes. Cybersecurity is essential regardless of the organization’s size, and training employees to be security-aware and capable of responding to threats is beneficial in preventing security incidents and protecting sensitive information.
Threatcop’s People Security Management solution helps organizations build a strong cybersecurity culture by providing comprehensive training and awareness programs. Through simulated phishing campaigns and incident response guidance, employees learn to recognize and respond to threats effectively.
Ongoing education and reinforcement materials keep cybersecurity top-of-mind, while metrics and analytics enable organizations to measure and improve their security awareness programs. By promoting a proactive approach to cybersecurity and empowering employees to be active participants in maintaining a secure work environment, Threatcop strengthens the organization’s overall cybersecurity culture.
Co-Founder & COO at Threatcop
Department: Operations and Marketing
Dip Jung Thapa, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Threatcop, a leading cybersecurity company dedicated to enhancing people security management for businesses. With a profound understanding of cybersecurity issues, Dip plays a pivotal role in driving Threatcop’s mission to safeguard people’s digital lives.
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